Electrical controlling apparatus



(N0 Mmidl.) F 3 SheetsS'heet 1. B. 0. VAN BMON. ELEGTRIGAL CONTROLLINGAPPARATUS.

No. 578,954. Patented Mar. 16,1897.

Witnesses.-

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(No Model.) 3 Sheets-Sheet 3.

B. C. VAN EMON.

ELECTRICAL CONTROLLING APPARATUS.

No. 578,954. Patented Mar. 16, 1897.

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BURTON C. VAN EMON, OF SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA.

ELECTRICAL CONTROLLING APPARATUS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 578,954, dated March16, 1897.

Application filed May 22. 1896- Serial No. 592,656. (No model-l .To allwhom it may concern:

Be it known that I, BURTON C. VAN EMON, a citizen of the United States,and a resident of the city and county of San Francisco, State ofCalifornia, have invented certain new and useful Improvements inControlling Devices for Electrical Appa 'atus Employed to bperateElevators, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to electrical apparatus to operate elevators forraising and lowering passengers and freight, especially to devices forcontrolling the electrical current so applied.

My improvements consist in devices which are supposed to be in the cageor on the platform of an elevator and to move therewith to cut in andout series resistance to modify and control the force and rate orspeedand torque of the electric motor, so as to meet the varying conditionsof raising and lowering loads; also, apparatus to reverse the motion inraising and lowering loads, such devices consisting of a series ofswitches operated by means of solenoids controlled from the cage orplatform of the elevator, and in various connected details of aconstructive and operative nature that will be set forth and explainedin the specification.

The object of my invention is to secure from a station on the cage orplatform of an elevator or other suitable or convenient place completecontrol of the actuating or motive power in starting, stopping, andmoving loads upward or downward in respect to both speed and intensityof the power applied,.as l1ereinafter explained, and set forth in theclaims at the end of this specification.

The elements of my invention include the ordinary gearing of anelevator, a series resistance, a controlling-switch to he placed in acage or on the platform of the elevator or other suitable or convenientplace, a reversing-switch operated by electric solenoids, a series ofswitches to control the resistance, also operated by solenoids, and thevarious wires, connections, and accessories to constitute the whole acomplete operative apparatus for the objects hereiubefore stated.

In the drawings, Figure I isadiagram showing the position, relation, andconnections of the various elements involved in my invention, also thecircuits and distribution of the current. Fig. II is a diagram showing adetached end view of the reversing elements to change the motion of theelectric motor for ascending and descendingor raising and loweringloads. Fig. III is a side view of Fig. II. Fig. IV is a diagram showingan end view of the elements for cutting in and out the field series orresistance coils to regulate the speed and power of the electric motor.Fig. V is a side view of Fig. IV. Fig. \'I is anorganizcd view of allthe elements A, ll, 0, and D set up as in practice. Fig. VII is anenlarged plan of the case containing the elements D, with the exceptionthat the binding-posts connecting wires 1 3 3 4 5 (3 7 9 13, do, are setin single instead of double row, so the connections of the wires can bemore easily traced.

Similar letters and numerals of reference are employed to designatecorresponding parts throughout the ditferent figures ot' the drawin gs.

Referring first to Fig. I, there are four groups of elements-namely, anelectric motor at A, a primary controlling-switch at B, areversing-switch at C, and a series switch' at D, the whole controlledby the lever E and its contacts, as will be hereinafter described.

Referring to Figs'II, III, IV, and Y, the moving contact elements orswitches are marked with the letter E and numerals to distinguish, andstationary con tact elements are marked with the letter F and numeralsto distinguish.

Referring first to the oscillating reversingswitches E E E (shownenlarged in the diagrams, Figs. II and III,) these are mounted on anaxis G", so as to oscillate and engage the contacts F F F or theopposite contacts F F F, reversing the main circuit and motion of thearmature at A, so as to cause an elevator to ascend or descendaccordingly. These oscillating reversing-switches ll E are closed, rightor left, by the solenoids ll, energizedby connections to be hereinafterdescribed, and are held in a central or nontral position by the spring Iwhen the circuit is open. The switches E E E and their correspondingcontacts F to F consecutive, are

LII

2 tracer.

provided with positive metallic contact-points J and yielding carboncontact-points J as seen in Figs. 11 and III.

Referring next to the series switch, (shown by the diagrams, Figs. IVand V,) the elements are the'same in construction, as indicated by thereferences thereon, but have only contacts at one side and movement oneway, turning on the axis G by means of the solenoids I1 and the springsI, as in Figs. II and III.

Referring now to Fig. Iand tracing the direct armature-circuit, when theswitches E E E are moved in the direction marked Up in the drawings andengage the contacts F F F then 'current from the positive main wire 1passes to the oscillating reversingswitch E through contact F and wire 2to switch F. then through contact F and wire 3 to contact F' and wire 4:to the armature K of the motor at A. From the armature K the circuit iscontinued through the Wire 5 to the contact F and switch E", to wire (5,to the coil L, thence through the wire 7 to the negative main 8, theseries switches at D being open and inert.

In the adjustment just explained the fieldcircuit is from the contact Fthrough the wires 9 and 10 to the negative main 8.

Supposing next that the switches E E I51 are moved the opposite way, inthe direction marked Down in Fig. I, and engage the contacts F F F, thenthe armature-circuit will be reversed in the following man ner: Currentwill pass from the main wire 1 through the switch E contact F, Wire 11,contact F, wire 2, switch E contact F and wire 18 to contact F thencethrough wire 5 to the armature K. This constitutes the main circuit foroperating the motor at A at a constant speed or with a constantelectromotive force, but the requirements for starting, raising, andlowering loads of various weights andat different rates of speed demandvarious elements of control that are supplied by my invention in thefollowing manner: The series coils I, are placed in the field so as tobe cut in or out in proportions or sections as illustrated by thediagram at M M M in Fig. I, the coils L at each side of the field-framebeing uniform, and connected across the frame are cut in and out in likesections orunits. To explain this, I will now refer to the controllingelements at B in Fig. I, these being in the cage or moving with the loadto be raised 01'10\ ered, the connecting-wires being made flexible andextensible in the usualmanner. The central switch-lever It is pivoted atN and is continually in contact with the segmental contact-bar F,connected by the wire 12 with the positive main wire 1. At the sidemarked Up and engaged by the switch-lever E are contacts F F F F 3, towhich are connected the wires 13,14, 15, and 16, that are in turnconnected to the solenoids I1 11 that operate the switches in the groupsC and ID). If it is required to stop the motor or an elevator operatedthereby at the extremes of movement each way, I provide cutout switchesat O, O and 0 in the wires 3, 13, 17, and 18, as indicated in Fig. I.Such switches when employed are arranged to be opened automatically bycontact of some moving part of the machinery or of the cage andcorrespond to what are called automatic top and bottom stops inelevators operated by hydraulic or other gearing. Coincident with allstops of the motor A and of an elevator operated thereby a brake isapplied to some suitable part of the running mechanism, preferably theshaft of the armature K, by means of a solenoid I1 energized andcontrolled by the sWitch-lever I and the wires 17, 1t), and 21, thelatter connecting to the negative main wire 8, as seen in Fig. I.

, I-will now proceed to describe the most important feature of myinvention-thc' control of the power and speed of the electric motor at Aby means of the series coils L, divided into sections at M, M and M andthe distribution of current or circuits thereto by the switches E E Eand solenoids II to operate these switches. The series or resistancecoils L, which are identical at each side and connected across the field-frame P, are thus placed in order to increase the strength of thefields and utilize the electrical energy that would otherwise be lost inheating detached rheostat-coils. The coils L (shown in the diagram as asingle wire) are in practice layers of coils around the side members ofthe fieldframe, consisting of layers superimposed, or one on the top ofthe other, and brought into circuit in sections, as indicated at M M M,the amount of wire thus employed being adjusted to the electromoti veforce of the circuit from whiclnthe motor is to be operated.

Referring now to the controlling switch-1ever E, this lever engages thecontacts F F", F and F connecting to the wires 13, 14, 15, and 1G. Thelatter wires are all or severally placed in circuit with the contact Fand the main Wire 1 as the lever E is moved to left to connect with theelements marked Up. It will be noticed that in moving the lever Ethrough the dotted are at B, or in that direction to en gage theelements marked Up, it first connects withcontact F, then with contactF, and so on up to contact F establishing circuits accordingly, firstthrough the wire 13 and the solenoid II in the group of contacts F F Fmarked Up, moving the switches E E E to the contacts F F F From thissolenoid II the current passes through the wire 22 into wire 19 and tothe solenoid II, that releases brake mechanism employed to stop andlockthe armatureshaft, as before explained, thence through wire 21 tothe negative main wire 8. This by engaging the switches 1L E E closesthe armature and field circuits and sets the motor in operation in thedirection to raise the elevator cage or load.

I will now follow through the variopg motions, connections, andcircuits, including the series coils, beginning at the group B.

To start the armature K in the direction to raise a load, and by'meansof the elements marked Up in the diagram Fig. I, the central lever E ismoved to the contact F on the left. This, by means of the wire 13, willenergize the solenoid II at the side marked- Up in the group G, pullingthe switches E E E into contact at F F F". Current from the main wire 1through the various wires, as before described, to the armature K, backthrough wire 5 to contact F and by wire 6 to the series coils L, andthen by wire 7 to the negative main 8, as previously traced. Anotherportion of the current from the contact F passes throughwire 9 to thefield-coils Q and Q and by wire 10 to the negative wire 8. A secondportion of the current passes through the wire 12 to the contact F, thelever E, and contact F and through the wire 13 to the solenoid II on theside marked Up in the group O, thence by wire.

22 to wire 19, through the solenoid I1 and wire 21 to the negative mainwire 8. During this condition or position of the various elements justdescribed the series coils L are all in circuit and the. armature K isoperating at low velocity, but increased torque. If the lever E isfarther moved to contact F, then current from the wire 12 is sentthrough the wire it to the first solenoid IF, which closes the switch Eand establishes a main circuit from the switch E through the wires 23and 24', through a portion of the series coils L, cutting out thesection M, reducing resistance, and increasing the speed of the motoraccordingly. If the lever E is farther moved to the contact F currentfrom the main wire 1 andwire 12 and lever E, contact F to wire and tothe second solenoid ll in group D, closing the switch E", so currentwill pass from wires 23 and 25 to the series coils L, cutting out thesecond section M and further-diminishing resistance and increasing thearmatures speed. If the lever E is moved farther to contact F, thencurrent passes from wire 12 through wire 16 to the third solenoid H inthe group D, closing switch E and cutting section M of the series coils.So there are four stages of re sistance and four conditions ofoperation, beginning with the maximum resistance of the series coils andconsequent high torque of the armature and gradually cutting out. theresistance or series coils and increasing the speed as the load is setin motion or as its weight and resistance may demand.

The division of the series coils L into sections M M M" may be of anynumber and bear any proportion that is required by the circumstances ofuse, and as the amount of wire in the relative sections or divisions.The disposition of'these coils may also be varied. I have shown themdiagrammatically, so as to enable explanation moreclear. "Vhen theswitch-lever E is moved the other way toward the elements marked Down,then main the first contact F energizes the-solenoid H in the group O onthe side marked Down, the switches E E E engage the contacts F F F, andthe armature-circuit and motion of the armature are reversed, currentfrom the main wire 1 then passing through elements as follows: E E wire11, F, E F F and wire 5 to the armature K, then by wire 4, F", E, andwire 6 to and through the coils L, and through wire 7 to the negativemain wire 8, In this reversal of the armature-current and its motion theoperation of the elements in the group D remain the same, the contactsat the right of the lever E coming successively into contact, closingcircuit-s through F F and F ,the same as when the lever E is moved tothe left, so the resistance is cut in and out for descending, the sameas in aseending.

Having thus described my invention, its nature and objects, I claim- '1.In electrical controlling devices the combination of the mainswitch-leverE placed in the elevator car or cage, contacts F and Fdouble oscillating switches E E, E turning on a central axis, solenoidsfor closing said switches to the right or to the left, and springsadapted to return and hold said switches in a central or neutralposition when they are open, substantially as described.

2. In electrical controlling devices a main switch Ewith successivecontacts at each side for the series circuits, connected and incombination therewith the independent pivoted switches E E and E eachclosed by independent solenoids H and opened by the springs I in' themanner substantially as herein shown and described.

3. In electrical controlling devices, a triple oscillatingreversing-switch, mounted and turning on an axis with a series ofparallel contacts at both sides, two solenoids to move the switch, and aspring or springs to disengage and hold the same out of contact, in themanner and for the purposes substantially as shown.

4. In electrical controlling devices, a reversible motor and a triplereversing armatureeireuit switch, mounted and turning on an axis in themanner described, solenoids to move the switch either way and reversethe motor, in the manner substantially as shown and described.

5. In electrical controlling devices, a reversible motor and a triplereversing armaturecircuit switch, mounted and turning on an axis in aremanner described, wires to cross and reverse the armature-circuit,solenoids to close the switch, and a spring or springs to open and holdit out of contact when the solenoid-circuit is open, substantially asdescribed.

6. In electrical controlling devices, an electric motor, enxnscillatingreversingswitch with triple contacts at each side, solenoids to closethe switch, and cross reversing-wires having supplementary switches Oand O to IIO open the armature-circuit independent of the mainreversingswitch, in the manner substantially as described.

7. In electric controlling devices, an electric motor, main controllingswitch-lever E and an independent reversing-switch, series coils in thearmatnre-circuitand in the motor-field, the series coils divided intosections, and the circuits therethrough closed by means of the switchesE, i. and E actuated by the solenoids H substantially as described.

8, In electrical controlling devices an electric motor having seriescoils Wound upon the field-frame and divided into sections M M M in themanner described, and in combination therewith the main switch Edividing switches E E E and independent solenoids to operate the same"all combined and operating in the manner substantially as described.

9. In electric controlling devices, the combination of the maincontrolling-switch E, with a reversing-switch in the armature-circuit,and a series of switches in the series circuit successively closed bysolenoids, the latter energized and controlled by the main switch E, inthe manner substantially as described.

10. In electric cont-rolling devices, the main controlling-switch E,contacts 1" and F solenoids H, H and 1-1 with reversing and seriesswitches combined and operating, in,

themanner and for the purposes substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my signature in thepresence of two witnesses.

BURTON C. VAN EMON.

Nitnesses:

JAMES L. KING, W. T. GROVER.

